The better team

It's me again!


Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels 2010

“Tell him I'm sorry” Jarryd turned to face his guest.
“Tell Billy I didn't mean to say those words” Jarryd added feeling genuinely bad after that night's game.
“Let it go Jarryd” Brett said. “It wasn't entirely your fault” he added truthfully.
---

Brett turned his alarm before it could go off. He stared at Jarryd's back in the dark. He couldn't sleep. He hadn't slept.
He would miss this.
Brett leaned over and breathed Jarryd in.
“Jarryd” Brett whispered in Jarryd's ear.
He wasn't sure if he was awake. He didn't want to wake him up but he never left without a goodbye, for it would be a while until he would see him again.
“Jarryd Hayne” Brett whispered smiling. Jarryd stirred slightly but failed to turn.
Brett brushed a finger along the back of Jarryd's ear and kissed his neck. He pressed another kiss on Jarryd's neck followed by a kiss on the cheek.
Jarryd turned to his touch.
“What time is it?” Jarryd asked wrapping his arms around Brett.
“Time to leave” Brett whispered against Jarryd's neck.
“I'm going to miss you” Brett said leaning down to kiss Jarryd. “You sexy thing”
Brett added smiling.
Jarryd laughed it off.

---
Melbourne Storm vs Parramatta Eels 2009 Grand final.

They both knew this was coming. At the end of the game one of them was going to be in tears. The other ecstatic. Brett belonged to the latter as the Storm triumphed over the eels in the grand final.
Brett's eyes continually searched for the Paramatta fullback as he stood with his team mates waiting to be given their premiership rings. He would have sacrificed some of his happiness to see less devastation across Jarryd’s face. To see less tears roll down those familiar cheeks. He was on the podium and turned to find Jarryd's face hidden behind a white towel.
“Sorry Jarryd” Brett whispered under his breath not sure what to feel.
--
Jarryd's eyes were red from all the tears he had shed. He turned away as Brett entered Jarryd's apartment.
Brett kneeled down next to Jarryd who sat on the couch. The TV on but Brett doubted Jarryd was actually watching it.
“Mad at me?” Brett asked afraid to touch him.
Jarryd stayed silent. Brett had long found out that Jarryd was still a kid at heart.
“Hey” Brett said. “Look at me Jarryd”
Jarryd refused.
“I'll say this once because you don't want to hear it right now”
Brett touched Jarryd's arm.
“You will have a great career Jarryd. You will be great”
“Don't” Jarryd turned to face him.
Brett stopped. He held Jarryd's eyes for what felt like an eternity. Jarryd looked so vulnerable right then. Brett never knew there was a side like this for the always independent islander.
“It's not your fault” Jarryd finally spoke and slowly threw his arms around Brett.
He pushed himself off the couch and crouched down next to Brett.
“Well done” Jarryd whispered against Brett's ear. “The better team won today”
---